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The Wildwoods International Kite Festival takes place on the Jersey Shore every Memorial Day weekend. This four day event includes kite enthusiasts, kite makers and kite flyers from as far as Australia. According to Joseph Degand, who handles public relations for The Wildwoods, this kite festival is the largest of its kind in North America. The Wildwood Kite Festival had its 25th anniversary celebration in 2010 and continues as an annual event.

The Kites

Kites of many different types and sizes are represented at the Wildwoods International Kite Festival. The festival participants and attendees look at kites as tall as 19 feet high, which can be seen from miles away. Visitors will also find giant, inflatable kites, Japanese style kites and kites that are made to be flown indoors. Experts are encouraged to compete and novices are given a chance to learn about kites and how to fly them.

Events

The Wildwoods International Kite Festival includes workshops and demonstrations all weekend long. There are also some unusual events for the whole family, including: stunt kite demonstrations; kites dropping candy; overhead battles of kites; social gatherings with buffet dinners and music; kite exhibits; auctions; vendors selling food, drinks and collectibles; competitions for kite makers; and activities for the kids like face painting and sand sculpture building.

Location

Wildwood, New Jersey, is located on the Jersey Shore, about 80 miles from Philadelphia and approximately 150 miles from New York City. The famed Wildwood Boardwalk is two miles long and includes a large amusement park that has six roller coasters. The festivities for the Wildwoods International Kite Festival begin the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend on the beach next to the convention center. Additional activities take place at the beach area at Rio Grande Avenue and at right at the Wildwoods Convention Center.

Local Flavor

While participants in the Wildwoods International Kite Festival come from all over the world, a strong local flavor enhances the event. South Jersey Kite Flyers and the Liberty High Spirits of New Jersey are just two of the nearby kite clubs that participate. During the opening ceremony, “Unlocking of the Ocean,” students from local schools welcome summer by flying their homemade kites along the beach.

Considerations

Even though Wildwood has five miles of beaches--all of which are free--Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest of the year. Allow enough time to travel there and get your spot on the beach as the festival kicks off at noon on Friday. Those planning on staying in town for the Wildwoods International Kite Festival, should book accommodations well in advance for this holiday weekend.

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About the Author

Marcia Frost is a writer covering travel, food, wine/spirits, and health. She writes for many on and offline publications, including The Daily Meal, Girls Getaway, Travelhoppers, and Princess Cruises.She also has a popular blog, Wine And SpiritsTravel. She has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Long Island University.

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